CLOVERDALE — Karaoke singers are lining up for a chance to belt out a song at a country musical festival in Mission next month.
Almost Famous Entertainment is searching for two people to sing on the “Little Big†stage at Rockin’ River Musicfest on Friday, Aug. 8, just minutes before country musician Gord Bamford entertains the crowd at the annual festival.
AFE is in the midst of a six-week talent search at the 12 karaoke nights it stages at pubs in Cloverdale, Langley, Surrey, White Rock and Abbotsford.
“We have lots of amazing singers at our karaoke nights,†said Jacqueline Stone, a Walnut Grove resident who runs Almost Famous Entertainment.
“People are so stoked for the opportunity to sing in front of so many people (at Rockin’ River Musicfest). It’ll be a big deal for those who get to do it.â€
Everyone at AFE karaoke nights, whether performing or just listening, has a shot at winning tickets to the music festival over the next few weeks.
At Rusty’s Pub in Cloverdale on a recent Thursday night, Stone was among those who took a turn singing karaoke, belting out “Hold On†by Alabama Shakes.
She launched Almost Famous Entertainment six years ago.
“I was a server at a pub (Walnut Grove Pub) that had karaoke three nights a week,†Stone recalled, “so I saw a lot of it and got the idea to take it to the next level and make it really entertaining and fun, with really good sound.â€
Today, her company hosts karaoke nights at seven local pubs, including the Sandpiper in White Rock, Rusty’s and Clydesdale Inn in Cloverdale, Sawbucks in South Surrey, Baselines and Green Timbers in Surrey and Sneakers in Abbotsford. For the calendar of events, see Almostfamousentertainment.com.
“There’s a circuit for some of these singers, for sure,†Stone said. “We have some people who go to karaoke seven days a week and they’re at all of the events.
“It’s great,†she continued, “because we offer over 60,000 songs, so people aren’t hearing the same 10 songs week after week, and it’s a chance for people to try new stuff.â€
Stone is currently looking for people to host AFE karaoke nights.
"It takes a while to become a good host," she said. "All the technology you have to deal with, the mics and computers.… And you always have to be personable. That's the most important part, even when you're losing your mind," she added with a laugh. "But if you come with the right attitude, I will teach the technology part."
Last summer, close to 30,000 people took in Rockin’ River Musicfest. This year’s festival features more than 20 bands on three stages over three days, from Aug. 7 to 9. Musical headliners include Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, The Road Hammers, Me & Mae and others. Details are online at Rockinriverfest.com.